Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are a recently evolved family of spiders. They are known for their distinctive large eyes and ability to jump long distances relative to their small size. Australia has about 1,200 to 1,500 species of this spider family. Only 500 have scientific names.
he'd noticed while studying plants from a fossil bed, from near Gulgong in New South Wales," Barry said.
The jumping spider is visible from the dorsal side and hasn't been distorted during fossilization. It is about 2.5 mm long with a short, rounded cephalothorax . The large lenses of its two front eyes are visible, surrounded by short setae . There is one fang and most of its legs are visible, including joints and setae.
Barry said the morphology of the spider was so well-preserved they could study the structure of its brain. They discovered the fossil spider's genus , realized that its close relatives are still alive today, and mapped where to find them. "Using information on the climate profile of the fossil site, generated through analyses of the fossilized vegetation, Matthew mapped where such conditions occur today. We then compared this with the predicted distribution map of the Simaetha today, made using the specimens in museums around Australia.